Figure Museum, Historical museum in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The Figure Museum occupies the Dato' Jaafar Building, a three-story colonial mansion with four corner towers on Senyum Hill in Johor Bahru. It was built on a 100-hectare plot and resembles Hardwick Hall in the United Kingdom. Inside, displays cover the history of Johor and the Johor Sultanate.
The building was constructed in 1896 during British colonial rule and originally served as a private residence for a prominent local official. It was later transformed into a museum to preserve and share the region's history with the public.
The wax figures on display show people who were important to the Johor Sultanate and help visitors understand local history through their stories. Walking through the rooms, you notice how the displays celebrate regional figures and their influence on the area.
The building stands on Senyum Hill, on a site the sources describe as 100 hectares, so allow time to reach it and to climb between its three floors. Exhibits on Johor and the Johor Sultanate occupy these levels, with temporary shows on notable Johor figures added regularly. Check current opening days before setting out, since the sources give no fixed hours.
The building's design was inspired by a famous English stately home belonging to the British Royal family. This architectural choice reflects how strongly British style influenced the design of colonial properties in the region.
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